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When it comes to wedding ceremonies, there’s a growing trend towards intimate and small gatherings. With rising costs of living, couples are reconsidering elaborate and extravagant affairs and choosing to celebrate their love with a smaller gathering of family and friends.  In the stunning locations of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley I’m conducting more and more small wedding ceremonies of approximately 30 people, and for good reason.

Are you considering a small wedding? Not sure how to create an intimate and memorable wedding? Read on for more reasons why small ceremonies are so hot right now.

When it comes to writing your wedding vows, couples often don’t know where to start and become overwhelmed. This post will show you it is not as hard as it first seems.

I loved my wedding day.  The warmth and joy surrounding my partner and I was truly wonderful.  The venue and location were exactly what we wanted, the colour scheme was just as I pictured it, the food at our reception was delicious and our photos are magnificent. 

The ceremony wasn’t too long or too short, it included readings and music, it went too fast and as a memory it certainly makes me smile, but it didn’t celebrate us.  

Today is my 16th wedding anniversary. We will celebrate the day in isolation at home with our 2 beautiful daughters … possibly with an UberEats delivery for dinner tonight!  Although we are in mandatory isolation due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic we are still celebrating this milestone.

I loved our wedding day – the sun was shining like it is today and we were surrounded by family and friends. Would I change any of it … yep!

I’m often asked about what the ‘rules’ are around getting married, especially with the recent changes to legislation around marriage equality. I’ve put together the following key points. Your celebrant should be able to discuss these further with you if there are any questions.

What are the legal requirements for getting married in Australia:

To be married in Australia you must:

1. Not be already married to another person
2. Understand what marriage means and agree to marry of your own free will
3. Be at least 18 years or older – unless a court has approved for the wedding to take place between one person 18 years or older and one person between 16-18 years old
4. Not be marrying your parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent or grandchild
5. Include the mandatory words in your wedding ceremony
6. Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form at least one month prior to your intended wedding date; this document can be completed up to 18 months in advance
7. Your celebrant must sight your original birth certificates or valid passport, divorce or death certificates where relevant and photo ID

I came across this picture recently.  Just love it.  It captures the exact reason why I chose to include butterflies in my company logo. 

You’ve changed … we are meant to. 

Life is a journey.  We are forever moving forward.  None of us can rewind a moment, day, event or time.  As we experience life we gather life experiences.

This year I celebrate 15 years of being a Marriage Celebrant … and yes I’m celebrating!

Over the years I have conducted hundreds of ceremonies – weddings, baby namings, renewal of vows and commitment ceremonies.

It thrills me that each and every ceremony is so different. 

Weddings can be very expensive, so it is not surprising that couples look for value when choosing a marriage celebrant. More…